Physical Activity as a Predictor of Heart Diseases among Hypertensive Patients in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction: Physical activity is one of the most important factors that help to control and reduce complications of hypertension disease. This study aimed to evaluate the patterns of physical activity among hypertensive patients in Saudi Arabia.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that included all hypertensive patients who attend outpatient clinics. Using a sample size calculator website, a total of 210 was calculated as the minimum sample size sufficient to detect the prevalence of physical activity. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection which investigated sociodemographic characteristics and patterns of physical activity with the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ).
Results: A total sample of 210 hypertensive patients registered in the clinic of chronic diseases. About half of the patients were males and more than half aged less than 50 years old. Most patients (about 94%) had a light physical activity such as walking or using a bicycle (pedal cycle) for at least 10 minutes continuously to get to and from places. Moderate-intensity activity during work was significantly more common in males gender and patients younger than 40 years old than in females or those 40 years or older (p=0.038 and <0.001, respectively).
Conclusions: The prevalence of physical activity among hypertensive patients was less than optimal. Practicing physical activity was significantly more common in male and young, patients.